Success is Subjective: Helping parents of college students accept that dropping out is okay

Episode 26 — Dealing with Imposter Syndrome in College —with Kim Nelson

August 19, 2020 Joanna Lilley, MA, NCC Season 1 Episode 26
Success is Subjective: Helping parents of college students accept that dropping out is okay
Episode 26 — Dealing with Imposter Syndrome in College —with Kim Nelson
Show Notes

It can be hard enough going into college at a young age wondering what you’re going to do for the rest of your life. With that comes many opinions being thrown out from every direction while also being surrounded by many other young adults, each on their own unique journey. It can be hard to not compare or question your own journey and passions. Though just because there might be doubt or question, doesn’t mean you aren’t fit for whatever you’re interested in pursuing!

Kim Nelson, a mom, wife, artist and National Outreach Coordinator at CooperRiis Healing Community, struggled to believe that she could pursue her passion for art as a career. With a little bit of encouragement from her high school teachers and a mentor in college, she managed to get past her imposter syndrome and receive a Master’s degree in Art Therapy, all while being a full time mom and wife! Although Art Therapy is her passion, she is beyond happy to be spreading the good "CooperRiis word" as she calls it, from coast to coast as their National Outreach Coordinator. 

On this episode of Success is Subjective, Kim joins Joanna to share her journey going from a lost student, to a driven mom and an inspiration. Kim’s story and work helps those experiencing mental health challenges to find hope, believe in their dreams, and live out their passion. Listen in for Kim’s insight on how she navigated getting past imposter syndrome in college and how important it was for her to have the right people encouraging her along the way. 

What You Will Learn

  • Having a drive to make college work 
  •  Growing up focused on the arts! 
  • Having high school teachers who encouraged Kim to pursue art in college
  • Being the first of 5 siblings to go to college
  • After researching Imposter Syndrome, it was a huge “ah ha!” moment for Kim
  • Feeling rushed to graduate but College isn’t going anywhere!
  • Getting a job after college unrelated to her degree
  • Getting back to Kim’s art roots
  • The gratitude Kim has for Lesley University's Art Therapy Program
  • Going to school while being a mom
  • The importance of finding a mentor and seeking advice 

Connect with Kim Nelson

Connect with Joanna Lilley